It seemed like only a matter of time.
In a breakthrough performance at last year’s New Balance Nationals, Catholic Memorial’s Amar Skeete was third at last year, cracking 50 feet for the first time. With that success came higher expectations as he was near or at the top of the national rankings all year. Now jumps of 48, 49 feet, no longer seemed like much. While Saturday wasn’t his best jump – Skeete jumped a state record 51-2 at the Meet of Champions – he did what champions do: perform when it matters most. With his winning leap of 50-7.25, Skeete was the only one over 50 feet, and put himself atop the podium. More importantly, he can call himself National Champion. Skeete has now finished the season undefeated in the triple jump. Did we mention he’s only a junior?
Skeete is not done yet though. He’ll be competing in the long jump Sunday morning where he’ll have a great shot at the podium again.
Newton North’s Blake MacNeal (38-9.75) and Lexington’s Aubrey Deardorf (38-7.75) were 20th and 21st, respectively, among the 41 entries.
